Impact of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Growth of Children: A Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Among these lower-middle class children aged 12 to 60 months from a population with high prevalence of H. pylori infection, a new and sustained infection was followed by significant growth retardation.

Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Height of Mexican Children of Low Socioeconomic Level Attending Boarding Schools

“…The authors conclude that the effect of H. pylori on height is significant and irreversible. 4,24 The mechanisms by which H. pylori infection may affect growth have not been identified, but possible mechanisms such as dyspepsia and hypochlorhydria have been proposed. It has been suggested that this infection may reduce food intake because of its association with dyspepsia.…”

“…According to the authors, this association could be explained by respiratory infections being occasional manifestations of gastrointestinal infections during childhood. 4 The effect of H. pylori infection on children's growth may be related to the immune response on infection. Helicobacter pylori infection provokes an increase in some cytokines, therefore inducing chronic inflammation.…”

“…Even when the infection is acquired during the first years of life, its consequences on children's health are not known. 4 In this group, H. pylori infection has been associated with iron deficiency and anemia. A greater frequency of H. pylori has also been reported in short-stature children and adolescents, [5][6][7] and children who acquire the infection during follow-up have been shown to have a decreased growth rate.…”

“…A greater frequency of H. pylori has also been reported in short-stature children and adolescents, [5][6][7] and children who acquire the infection during follow-up have been shown to have a decreased growth rate. 4 However, these studies have not considered other factors that may affect child's growth such as zinc and vitamin A status. 8 Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between H. pylori and height in a school-age, low socioeconomic population, and consider the micronutrient status related to growth.…”

Does Helicobacter pylori eradication effect body composition, dietary intake, serum leptin and ghrelin levels of infected patients?

“…H. pylori infection is contributed to the pathogenesis of gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastric carcinoma, and mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma [3][4][5]. Moreover, H. pylori infection may be responsible for dyspeptic symptoms and decreased appetite [6,7]. It has been reported that successful eradication of H. pylori may be related with improved appetite and weight gain [8,9].…”